HARTFORD, CT — Despite a milestone moment from first baseman Zach Kokoska, the Hartford Yard Goats dropped their regular season home finale on Sunday afternoon, falling 6-2 to the Reading Fightin Phils in front of 6,431 fans at Dunkin’ Park.

Reading wasted no time taking control of the contest, launching a early long-ball assault against Hartford starting pitcher Sam Weatherly (2-6). In the top of the first inning, Pedro Leon put the Fightin Phils on the board first with a two-run home run—his 14th of the season. Just two batters later, Raider Tello crushed a two-run shot of his own—his third home run of the year—to push Reading's advantage to 4-0 before the Goats could get out of the opening frame.

 

Weatherly’s day ended early after the tough first inning, but the Yard Goats bullpen stepped up to keep the game within reach. Reliever Cade Denton turned in an impressive performance, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings while surrendering just three hits, walking one, and striking out three.

 

Hartford’s offense found a spark in the bottom of the fourth inning off Reading starter Braydon Tucker. Kokoska launched a towering two-run home run into the upper deck in right field, cutting the deficit to 4-2. The blast marked Kokoska's 45th career home run in a Yard Goats uniform.

 

Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros provided another highlight for Hartford, going 2-for-4 with two singles and a walk as he continues his Major League rehab assignment.

Reading put the game out of reach in the top of the eighth inning. Carson DeMartini delivered a clutch two-run single to extend the Fightin Phils’ lead to the eventual final score of 6-2.

 

Up Next: The Yard Goats will wrap up their regular season with a six-game road series against the Somerset Patriots in New Jersey. The series opener is set for Tuesday night at 6:10 PM, with left-hander Bryson Hammer slated to take the mound for Hartford. Fans can listen to the radio broadcast on the free Audacy app, iHeartRadio app, and YardGoatsBaseball.com, or stream the action live on MiLB.TV.

 

Hartford will return to Dunkin’ Park on Thursday, September 17th at 6:30 PM for Game 2 of the Eastern League Divisional Series.

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